Whitney Houston Is “Broke As A Joke”?

Diva songstress Whitney Houston is reportedly penniless, after running though a $100-million record deal. The 48-year-old former crack addict is now being supported by her record company, Arista, who has given her an advance off her next album project, according to a source who spoke with RadarOnline.

Whitney’s fortune is gone,” the source said. “Music industry heavy hitters are supporting her and her label is fronting her cash against her next album, but no one knows when that will be released. She might be homeless if not for people saving her. She is as broke as a joke, the source added.

In August 2001, Houston signed a mega-recording deal with Arista/BMG, which was monumental at the time. She agreed to do six albums over an eight-year period for a reported $100 million. The last album was released in 2009. Now, the source reveals:

She called someone to ask for $100. It is so sad. She should have Mariah Carey money, and she’s flat broke.

After a tumultuous marriage to R&B singer Bobby Brown, including allegations of physical abuse and years of drug use, the Grammy award-winning Houston has seen more bad days than good in recent years. In addition to her being ravaged by drugs, there have been reports of alcoholic binges, eating disorders, family stress, evictions, over-spending, and career stalls.

And to add to the turmoil, Houston’s much-hyped return to concert performances have shown that years of near self-destruction have taken a toll on her once-golden vocal chords as disappointed concert-goers witnessed her strugging to sing crowd-pleasing numbers.

Now, Houston will attempt to hit the screen again, playing the character of “Emma,” Jordan Sparks‘ mother, in the upcoming remake “Sparkle.” Houston has not acted since the 1996 film “The Preacher’s Wife.”

As far as the rumors about Houston’s alleged financial dire straits, her spokesperson told the UK’s Daily Mail:

That is ridiculous and not true! She stars in ‘Sparkle’ out in August, which she also exec produced. She just wrapped the film.